Log In

Activity: Out of Africa – Year 10

Activity Introduction

Quick summary: Students are asked to work in pairs to apply one of the following models of human origins – the Out of Africa model, Mulitregional or the Assimilation model – to describe the origin of Homo floresiensis. They will create a video news piece to present their ideas.

Learning goals:

Students understand that the theory of human evolution is contested and uncertain.

Students understand several of the models used to describe human evolution and human origins.

21st century skills:

Australian Curriculum Mapping

Content description:

Year 10 Science

The theory of evolution by natural selection explains the diversity of living things and is supported by a range of scientific evidence (ACSSU185)

The transmission of heritable characteristics from one generation to the next involves DNA and genes (ACSSU184)

Relevant parts of Year 10 Science achievement standards: Students explain the processes that underpin heredity and evolution.

Topic: Evolution.

Time required: 60 mins.

Level of teacher scaffolding: Low – oversee activity.

Resources required: Tablet or phone to film and edit video news piece, Out of Africa factsheet. Student Worksheet – one copy per student OR computers/tablets to access the online worksheet.

Digital technology opportunities: Digital sharing capabilities.

Homework and extension opportunities: Includes opportunities for extension and homework.

Keywords: Evolution, human origins, Homo floresiensis, theory.

Cool Australia’s curriculum team continually reviews and refines our resources to be in line with changes to the Australian Curriculum.

Worksheets

Teacher Worksheet

Teacher preparation

Overarching learning goal: By participating in this lesson students will understand that the theory of human evolution is contested and uncertain, and will recognsie several of the models used to describe human evolution and human origins.

Hot tips: Students can watch the video prior to this activity. However, although the video will provide valuable context and information in support of this activity it is not essential to completing this activity.

Part 1. The origins of our species

Begin by THINKING about what you read/saw and answering the following points independently -

Two things I found interesting about the origin of our species, explaining why you find these points interesting:

1.

2.

One question I still have about the origin of our species:

1.

Once complete, PAIR up with a classmate and SHARE your thoughts.

Part 2. Where did Homo floresiensis come from?

In 2003, Australian scientists working in Flores (Indonesia) discovered fossils of nine individuals of a small species of human. These tiny individuals stood approximately 109 cm tall, had a brain size about one-third the size of modern humans, large teeth for their small size, shrugged-forward shoulders, no chins, receding foreheads, and rela